We are sad to share the passing of Jeffrey Emmett Burns on October 14, 2023.  His joy, love of life, boisterous laughter and generosity will be dearly missed by all.  He was surrounded by his loving family at home in Winter Garden, Florida.

We will celebrate his life at Salem Lutheran Church (7900 S Apopka Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32819) on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 3:00 PM. The memorial service will also be available online via live stream on Salem Lutheran Church's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Sale…)

Jeff was born on June 7, 1966, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Janet (Nenow) and James Burns, the second of three children. He graduated from high school in Mitchell, SD, in 1984 and continued his education at South Dakota State University in Brookings, where he met his wife Carmen Bjerke of Watertown.  In 1988, he graduated with a double major in Communications and Political Science. After moving to Orlando, Florida  in 1989, Jeff and Carmen fell in love and were married in Watertown, South Dakota in 1992. Jeff shared his life and laughter with his beloved wife, Carmen and they made a home together in Florida. Together, they welcomed two wonderful children Shelby and Garrett into their lives. 

Shelby & Garrett explained the joys of having a "Stay at home Dad" the best. "I was always so proud to have a stay at home dad. It was so unique at the time, and I am so thankful for all of the benefits and sacrifices both my mom and dad provided by having my dad stay home with us for so many years." "When we were kids, my Dad spent weeks every summer driving us across the country to a new National Park. The best parts of those trips was taking time to discover hidden gems along the way and enjoying the connections we made with everyone we crossed paths with. " "Anywhere is on the way". Jeff's travels took him to all 50 states.

People from across all phases of our lives knew exactly who Mr. Jeff or Mr. Burns was. He served the community as well as his family. From Salem Lutheran Church of Orlando, Florida where he was Congregational President, on council and taught Sunday School. He was a familiar face at the kids schools serving as PTA President at Lake Whitney Elementary and Lakeview Middle Schools in Winter Garden, lacrosse stat keeper, little league team dad, field trip chaperone and always showed up with yummy baked goods to share. No job was too small. 

Jeff leaves behind a loving family who cherished him. He is survived by his devoted wife Carmen, his children Shelby (Pierre Marrou) of Arlington, VA, and Garrett Burns of New York, NY.  His sisters Beth (Timothy Klein) of Steinhatchee, FL, Amy (Jeff Rainey) of Bellevue, WA, and his Auntie Marlys Nenow of Clermont, FL.  He  was beloved "Uncle Jeff" to all of his many nephews and nieces. He loved his cousins and extended family in South Dakota. Jeffrey was predeceased by his parents James and Janet Burns.

Jeff was always up for a good laugh and had a zest for life. His love for nature and adventure was reflected in his favorite family vacation spots, the beach and summer road trips to many National Parks. Jeffrey's light-hearted nature and love for life will be missed, but his legacy of kindness will continue to inspire and guide those who knew him. Though he may no longer be with us physically, the sound of his laughter and the warmth of his generosity continue to echo in our hearts.

In honor of his spirit for adventure and travel in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the National  Park Foundation. 

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